Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike,
has debunked rumours making the rounds that he collapsed.
This was as the minister laid out conditions for any genuine
reconciliation with his political protégé-turned-rival, Governor Siminalayi
Fubara of Rivers State.
Wike, who stated this on Friday at the platinum jubilee
celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, addressed ongoing tensions
in Rivers State.
The Minister emphasized that while he is open to peace, it
must involve all key political actors and not serve as a mere façade.
“We are men of peace, not of trouble. But it must be peace
with sincerity, not peace as a decoy. Members of the State Assembly, the
National Assembly, and the two major political parties must be involved,” he
said.
Wike also blasted the silence of supposed elder statesmen
and accused them of complicity in the crisis, querying the tangible steps they
had taken to foster lasting peace in the state.
The FCT Minister also took aim at what he described as media
blackmail tactics, stressing that such approaches would not solve the political
turmoil.
“No amount of embarrassment or blackmail can bring peace.
What can bring peace is humility and a sincere commitment to the interests of
the state,” he added.
The former Rivers State Governor also denied viral rumours
that he had collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment.
Wike pointed out that he had travelled overseas to attend
his son’s graduation, not for medical reasons.
“I am here. I am healthy—very, very well,” he said firmly.
“Someone started spreading that I had collapsed. I was never sick. And even if
I were, am I not a human being?
“Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And
when you fall, it will be final,” he added.
His comments come following persistent tensions between him
and Governor Fubara, whom he had supported in the 2023 governorship election
but has since fallen out with.
Wike and Fubara’s political rift has thrown Rivers State
into a prolonged crisis, prompting a state of emergency declaration by
President Bola Tinubu.
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